Monday, February 13, 2012

Plenty Of Time For Silence

Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the "transcendent" and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence.

-- Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011), author and journalist, Letters to a Young Contrarian (2001)